Journal article
Challenges and Opportunities of Intermediate-Temperature (100-350 °C) Electrocatalysis
ACS electrochemistry, v 2(1), pp 3-13
01 Jan 2026
Abstract
Transitioning to a more sustainable chemical industry requires reevaluating how commodity chemicals are produced. While most industrial transformations currently rely on high temperatures and stoichiometric chemical reductants and oxidants to drive the reactivity, electrification of chemical synthesis presents a promising alternative. With the growing availability of low-cost renewable electricity and continued advances in understanding electrochemical interfaces, electrochemical pathways are increasingly positioned to replace or even surpass the performance of traditional thermochemical routes. In this perspective, we explore the potential for using intermediate temperatures (100-350 degrees C) to enable enhanced control over reaction thermodynamics relative to conventional thermocatalysis. Particular attention is given to the interplay between entropic contributions within the electrochemical double layer and temperature-dependent reaction kinetics. By examining fundamental relationships governing temperature effects on both thermochemical and electrochemical rate processes, we propose guiding principles for identifying regimes in which intermediate-temperature electrochemical systems can viably displace thermochemical counterparts. We further highlight opportunities for ambient- or near-ambient-pressure electrocatalysis within this temperature window using water and conventional organic solvents, such that mechanistic insights and design strategies established at room temperature may remain applicable. Finally, we conclude by discussing critical challenges and future research priorities for advancing the electrochemical reactor design at intermediate temperatures.
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Details
- Title
- Challenges and Opportunities of Intermediate-Temperature (100-350 °C) Electrocatalysis
- Creators
- Nicholas B. Watkins - University of California, Santa BarbaraKaden Wheeler - University of California, Santa BarbaraLior Sepunaru - University of California, Santa Barbara
- Publication Details
- ACS electrochemistry, v 2(1), pp 3-13
- Publisher
- Amer Chemical Soc
- Number of pages
- 11
- Grant note
- R35GM142920 / National Institute of General Medical Sciences; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) NA / University of California, Santa Barbara; University of California System NA / California NanoSystems Institute 2139319 / National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program; National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001845236600001
- Other Identifier
- 991022207076504721